Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1887-10-13
CHAPTER ".

we must go backward a few hours in our
recital and follow Roger Laroque from the
moment be left the provisional police bureau
and took the train for Paris Half an hour
later he was in his Office, which was situated
i'll one part of tho immense building which
contained his workshops After having
glanced over his correspondence Roger rang
and ordered the boy who answered his call
to say to NJ. Guerrier, the cashier, that he
wished to see him. In few minutes M.
Guerrier entered the private office.
"Sit down, Jean" said Roger, pointing to n
chair. "What is there new9"
"Nothing, nothing whatever. Things could
not change much from one day to another,
unfortunately If we could only manage to
pay our bills and worlimen the rest would be
easy in spite of the difficulty which that un-
expected payment causes us"
EYES," said Roger; "it would give us time "
"Have you tried everywherep
Everywhere, and with the same result
Bad news travels quick"
$50 there is no hope!" said Jean, with q
heavy sigh; for ho really loved and honored
his employer, and would willingly have given
treble the necessary sum had it been in his
power.
"Well, Jean, it docs me good to see that you
take this so much to heart, but think we are
saved. have the money"
"The $4,000 francs?"
81 have Here they are,n and from his
pocketbook Roger proceeded to count out the
sum named. Jean took the notes and counted
them with beaning face Roger continues:
yesterday morning fortunate and unhoped
for event enabled me to give you 100, 0O0
francs. Last night, in despair, / went to
gaming house and tried my fortune, and God
knows how it happened, for l know nothing
of cards. l won $4,000 francs, which you
have here. This, with what you have win
meet all our obligations to the last SOU"
II am glad indeed" said Jean Guerrier as
he gathered up the money and went back to
his books, where he entered it, and then
busted himself making up the pay roll for
the workmen, while Roger lit cigar and
smoked with an air of content, his eyes row.
ing slowly around him on the different parts
of the building, which was nearly all visible
to him, as his Office was in an l.. The noise
of the hammers and files was music in his
ears, and the designs that were tackled ur
against his walls were dearer to him than
priceless paintings. "And TO think that was
on the point of leaving all this; that was GO
ing to say goodby to the labor and dream of
my life Well, it is vernow, and will think
no more of it."
When Jean had finished the pay roll he
called the three foremen of the workshops
and handed them the money for paying the
workmen and then made up the payments for
the employees of the office, but was inter
rupted in this by the entrance of the office
boy, who came up to him with a frightened
dir.
IN. Guerrier, there are four men who have
Just entered the waiting room and want to
see NJ Laroque instantly"
aWell, what Of It'll" answered he, with his
eyes still bent upon his work.
@Why, ono Of them is Mr.. Lienard, the
commissionaire of police of the judiciary
court, and two detectives, who are in dis
guise. know them both, the spiesl"
The cashier raised his head this time and
shivered lightly.
@What does that meana Well, go and tell
NJ. Laroque and bring them in"
At the announcement of this visit Laroque
was somewhat astonished. He had forgotten
completely all about the murder of Larouette
and his visit to NJ. Lacroix this morning He
remembered suddenly, and made a sign that
the boy should bring NJ. Lienard. He rose
and went forward to meet the officer and
saluted him:
Il know the object OF your visit, sir, and
thank you for the trouble you have taken.
But l should have gone willingly to your
Office if you had sent me word"
"Monsieur," said the commissioner, who
would not sit down in spite of the invitation
of Laroque, Il have brought with me an
expert in bookkeeping, and / peg you VIII
give him your boolls.n
Laroque drew himself up, and said, angrily:
"My booksl And b. what right, if you
pleaseF1
"The right which the law imposes upon me.
1 also desire that you give your cashier orders
to facilitate the labors OF the expert in every
manner
"And if / refused"
Il shall do so without your consent"
Laroque made a heroic effort to contain his
anger His face, usually 50 fresh and rudy,
took an ashy pallor, and bis eyes glittered
with suppressed anger. Finally he controlled
himself enough to speak.
what do you want, sir, and why this
abuse Of powerr